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I Need An Answer

L-NO

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L-NO Newbie
L-NO
Posted

I just started reading about celiac yesterday because Im at my wits end. Im tired of getting diarrhea after most meals, Im tired of having to worry about where there are public restrooms. And mostly, im just really tired! About 10 years ago I was diagnosed with IBS after an incident of dizziness, blood in stools (i was told it was hemorrhoids), and diarrhea. I went on to have a colonoscopy, which showed juvenile polyps. ( I have had 2 subsequent colonoscopies that were normal). Ive been able to tolerate the IBS over the years, sometimes getting diarrhea for no reason...or being able to eat the same thing on numerous occasions and then have it give me diarrhea. About 2 years ago I started having really bad sinus infections (about 5 in a year), and at one point they prescribed me augmentin which gave me colitis.) In June of this year, I went to the Dominican Republic and came back with really bad diarrhea (like...really bad!). I was put on 2 rounds of antibiotics ,and while the consistancy of the diarrhea has changed, the frequency is still ridiculous. It is interfering with my work, social life and everything else. I get diarrhea multiple times daily, even after eating plain/bland foods. If it were IBS, would plain pasta cause diarrhea? Yesterday I had to leave work early after having severe cramps, sweating, nausea and diarrhea multiple times. Im afraid Im going to lose my job! I started looking online and celiac seems to match alot of my symptoms. Also, I have underlying medical conditions...which REALLY suck.

My Medical History:

Asthma since 8 months old (for several years wheat, yeast and chocolate would exacerbate asthma)

Third degree burns (Not related to anything except depression)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (havent had normal periods for almost 15 years)

Gene positive for Huntington's Disease (ya..my futures real bright...)

Depression

Sleep disturbances

Night Sweats

Chronic Diarrhea

Bloating

Gas

Stomach Cramps

Chronic sinus infections requiring surgical intervention

Tonsil stones requiring tonsillectomy

Chronic costochondritis

low back pain

chronic fatigue

headaches

weird rashes on both forearms that dermatology couldnt diagnose (def not dermatitis herpatiformis)

and the list goes on....

I also have fam history of:

Colon Cancer

Breast Cancer

Huntingtons Disease

Kidney Failure

Multiple Sclerosis

Dementia

Diverticulitis

i had the blood testing done today for the celiac panel. I hope that this is what I have, because I am so tired of no answers. I already have enough medical conditions, I dont really need another. but at least with celiac there is a treatment! Do my symptoms sound like celiac to you? Im just tired of being depressed. And Im ONLY 27!

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Dixiebell Contributor
Dixiebell
Posted

That is quite a history. Do you plan on having an endoscopy to check for celiac or other issues? If not you could try going gluten free for a few weeks and then try a gluten challenge and see how your body responds.

L-NO Newbie
L-NO
Posted
  • Author

That is quite a history. Do you plan on having an endoscopy to check for celiac or other issues? If not you could try going gluten free for a few weeks and then try a gluten challenge and see how your body responds.

I forgot that I've had barium swallows that show I have bad gerd. When I layed down, the pill came back up. So they told me to take over the counter pepcid (which isn't cheap!) i have an appointment with GI next month, and if he suggests doing a biopsy I'm all for it. At this point, I'd do anything to feel better and enjoy life.

Atrapos Newbie
Atrapos
Posted

Have you been tested for Crohn's disease? It can cause all sorts of nastiness.

L-NO Newbie
L-NO
Posted
  • Author

Have you been tested for Crohn's disease? It can cause all sorts of nastiness.

aside from a CBC to look for low rbc, hemoglobin and hematocrit or a stool sample to check for blood what are the other tests fo crohns? I haven't had any obvious signs of bloody stools ( other than black stools thanks to my friend pepto bismal). And I def don't have an issue with weight loss... What other symptoms of crohns should I look for?

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      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

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    • Judy M
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      By Judy M · Posted

      My husband has had lactose intolerance for his entire life (he's 68 yo).  So, he's used to gastro issues. But for the past year he's been experiencing bouts of diarrhea that last for hours.  He finally went to his gastroenterologist ... several blood tests ruled out other maladies, but his celiac results are suspect.  He is scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy in 2 weeks.  He was told to eat "gluten free" until the tests!!!  I, and he know nothing about this "diet" much less how to navigate his in daily life!! The more I read, the more my head is spinning.  So I guess I have 2 questions.  First, I read on this website that prior to testing, eat gluten so as not to compromise the testing!  Is that true? His primary care doctor told him to eat gluten free prior to testing!  I'm so confused.  Second, I read that celiac disease is genetic or caused by other ways such as surgery.  No family history but Gall bladder removal 7 years ago, maybe?  But how in God's name does something like this crop up and now is so awful he can't go a day without worrying.  He still works in Manhattan and considers himself lucky if he gets there without incident!  Advice from those who know would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Scott Adams
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
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      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @catsrlife! Celiac disease can be diagnosed without committing to a full-blown "gluten challenge" if you get a skin biopsy done during an active outbreak of dermatitis herpetiformis, assuming that is what is causing the rash. There is no other known cause for dermatitis herpetiformis so it is definitive for celiac disease. You would need to find a dermatologist who is familiar with doing the biopsy correctly, however. The samples need to be taken next to the pustules, not on them . . . a mistake many dermatologists make when biopsying for dermatitis herpetiformis. 
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